University of Ibadan VC Says Education Remains Critical to National Development

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has reaffirmed the importance of education in driving national development and preparing students for the demands of the modern workplace.

Professor Adebowale made the statement while receiving former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, and his wife during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office at the university.

Mr Adesina was at the institution as the guest speaker at the maiden edition of the Media-State Dialogue Series, organised by the Department of Political Science under the Faculty of Social Sciences as part of the POS 353 Special Engagement programme.

Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor said education remains one of the strongest tools for shaping societies and equipping graduates with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly globalised environment.

He noted that programmes connecting students with experienced professionals help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace realities.

Professor Adebowale described the Media-State Dialogue Series as a valuable initiative that exposes students to experienced practitioners in the media industry while helping them gain practical insight into governance, communication, and public affairs.

He cited the example of the university’s Faculty of Technology, where members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers are engaged periodically to contribute to teaching and curriculum development. According to him, such collaborations strengthen academic training and improve students’ readiness for professional life.

The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed his personal passion for journalism and commended Mr Adesina for accepting the invitation to contribute to the academic and professional development of students.

He urged the Department of Political Science to sustain and expand the dialogue series, while encouraging similar engagements across other academic disciplines within the university.

Speaking during the event, Mr Adesina, who also served as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, reflected on his experience in government, particularly his years as presidential media adviser.

He said governance in Nigeria is often complicated by misunderstandings and misconceptions between leaders and citizens, adding that such situations can create unnecessary distractions for government.

According to him, national progress requires cooperation between citizens and leadership, stressing that education remains one of the most effective ways to bridge communication gaps and encourage constructive engagement in society.

The Head of the Department of Political Science, Professor Dhikru Yagboyaju, explained that the dialogue forms part of the department’s broader “town and gown” initiative designed to expose students to professionals before they begin formal internship programmes.

He stated that the engagement was aimed at helping students gain practical perspectives on governance, media practice, communication, and nation-building.

The dialogue was held under the theme: “From Newsroom to Aso Rock: Inside Media-State Relations in Nigeria.”